Movie Reviews

Two Great Bands on One Video!

Jeffrey T. Munson | Dixon, IL | 04/01/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Styx and REO Speedwagon, two of the most successful bands of the 70s and 80s, launched a very successful tour during the summer of 2000, and this concert video was filmed during their tour stop in St. Louis. The video is divided into two parts, with each band performing seperately. Styx is up first with their new keyboardist/singer Lawrence Gowan. Gowan replaced Dennis DeYoung, who was kicked out of the band a year earlier. In my opinion, Lawrence Gowan is not nearly the singer or keyboardist that Dennis was. It was hard watching another person sing Dennis' songs, especially the classics "Lady" and "Come Sail Away". Yes, there's still all of Tommy Shaw's songs, such as "Fooling Yourself" and "Blue Collar Man", but Lawrence just doesn't do justice to Dennis DeYoung's songs.Part two of the video features REO Speedwagon, who can still put on a fine show. Classics such as "Roll With the Changes" and "Keep on Loving You" still sound as good today as when they were released. Kevin Cronin's voice is still as good as ever.There are also two songs featuring both bands playing together, these being REO's "Roll With the Changes" and Styx' "Blue Collar Man". If you enjoy classic rock and roll from the 70s and 80s, then pick up this video."

INCREDIBLE!!!!!

MB | Somewhere between a rock and hard place. | 11/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arch Allies is Styx at their best! The band's energy is incredible from the first song to the last, and the collaboration between Styx and REO on a couple of both band's greatest songs is spectacular. At 33 years old, I've been a Styx fan for over 20 years. And I can tell you for certain that Tommy, JY, Todd, Glen, and Lawrence make the best music this band has EVER made in their entire career. Tommy's ability to connect with people makes the audience feel like they know him personally. JY's towering stage presence cannot be ignored. Todd's drumming is light years ahead of anyone else in the business. Glen provides the band with a fresh sound they haven't had in years. And Lawrence is simply an incredible entertainer with killer keyboard talent."

Styx Rocks Reo Rolls

Thomas Calhoun | Charlotte, NC United States | 01/31/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are looking for the rocking version of Styx, this DVD is for you. The sound and video are both excellent and the band has never sounded better. Thanks to Tommy and JY for bringing Styx back to the forefront of rock where they belong.The REO disc captures the current wagonhead show perfectly. Kevin is in great voice and that's the best version of CFTF I have heard him do ever. The two jams bring together both bands for great renditions of Blue Collar Man and Roll With the Changes. The newer bands need to take some tips from these guys. This is how all rock tours should be."

St. Louis Rocks!

Thomas Calhoun | 12/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What should you expect? Styx starts the concert off with classics such as "Blue Collar Man", "Lady", "Foolin' Yourself" and "Renegade" peppered with lesser known tunes such "Brave New World", "Heavy Water", and "Edge of the Century". About half and half. REO sticks pretty much with the classics. Both bands sound fantastic. Since I am primarily a Styx fan, this will lean heavily in that direction. I also have the privilege of being in the audience at this particular concert, and this video captures the look and feel of that night to the finest detail.Styx of course, is the "new Styx", minus Dennis DeYoung, which is disappointing to say the least, but fortunately all is not lost. Gowan substituting for Dennis provides adequate keyboarding and vocals (adequate since nobody can ever quite measure up to the strength and quality of Dennis' voice), but Gowan comes off looking a little weird visually. He tends to overdo his facial expressions and actions, which becomes distracting. The addition of Glen on bass and Todd on drums gives a whole new energy to the band. Glen has an eye-drawing stage presence and fills in perfectly for Chuck (who also makes a couple of appearances). Thanks to Tommy for not booting out the guy that took his place in "Edge of the Century"! Tommy is looking and sounding better than ever, and emerges as the new leader on stage. The ageless and timeless JY continues to give the band the Styx sound and feel.If you are a true Styx fan, you will love the video. If you are the type of fan who only knows the hits, you may be disappointed with hearing all the new material, but I would still recommend that you buy it and give it a chance. I am less familiar with REO, but they also looked and sounded great this night. Kevin Cronin looks like a whole new man sporting his short blond hair rather than the bushy curly brown hair we are all used to, but his sound was the same as ever. His smile and his vocals recapture the REO we all know and love.And to add some details to make this night more of a reality for you all, this took place at Riverport in St. Louis, MO on June 9, 2000. The night was unbearably hot, as you will see by the sweat running down the performer's faces. Eddie Money opened up the concert. It was over 5 hours start to finish, so this is only a small piece of the evening. Cameramen walked up and down the aisles, and one was perched above the crowd, constantly sweeping the audience. Since we had been told what was going on, the energy level was monumental. I think this video captures the evening perfectly, and I recommend it to anyone who loves either or both of these bands."

Perfection

Thomas Calhoun | 01/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I believe what makes for a quality concert DVD are that there are NO interruptions in the performance with clips or interviews, good camera/audio work, and finally a sincere effort from the band. This is a very simple formula. DVD concert producers could take a few lessons from these guys. Styx & REO Speedwagon Arch Allies: Live at Riverport is about as close to perfect as you can get in every way. To top it all off, the bands were are still in great form and sounded fantastic. This DVD is worth every penny. Pick this one up, you will not be disappointed!"